A/N: Hey guys! I apologize for being late in posting this chapter, but to be honestly, I think I'll be posting even more infrequently from now on. That's not to say I won't post at LEAST once every two weeks (I'll try to do once a week) but I realized that I've sorely underestimated the workload of two language courses (three if you count my weekly Japanese class), one of which is an honours class. To prove my point, I have 5 writing projects (one fairy tale, one novel study, one literary presentation, one essay and a speech) in two different languages (French and English), so I think that to say my hands are full is an understatement and this isn't even counting the four other classes that I'm taking. To sum it all up, I'M EXTREMELY BUSY AND CAN'T AFFORD TO SPEND SO MUCH TIME ON SOMETHING THAT DOESN'T COUNT FOR MARKS.

A special notice to Animefan29, Ragez, Taira-keimei, and Nxkris for reviewing loyally throughout Code Geass: Steps Untaken. ^_^ (BTW, did you guys know that you've all made it into my Microsoft Word's Vocabulary list? This just proves how consistently you guys review and how lazy I am for not wanting to click 'ignore' every time your names come up. : P)

A shout out to the people above, Akuma's Dawn, Words of Love, Cherub-chan, Tobi, and ndesi62 for reviewing. For those of you who have reviewed multiple times, I apologize for not writing you down up above, but ya know, keep reviewing and you will be! ;)

Now, three, two, one, ZERO! San, ni, ichi, REI!

Chapter 10 : Reappear

2017 a.t.b.

Warfront, Middle Eastern Federation

Two dark purple Gloucesters tore through the golden white sand, charging towards the target with their gleaming lances and fluttering lances. Behind the two were a small group of less ostentatious frames. The battalion open fired, tearing through the army lines and tanks when all of a sudden, the control centre of the target exploded into flames. Standing on top of the destroyed control center was a vibrant purple knightmare, standing gloriously, surrounded by the flames of victory. Inside the said knightmare, Second Princess Cornelia li Britannia smirked, announcing to her troops "Hmm…it seems like the creatures of the newly created Area 18 have been tamed.

Responding to her statement her royal knight, Guilford reported, "Your Highness, the territory has been secured. It's time for us to pack up."

Smiling at her victory, Cornelia said, "Area 11 will prove a bigger challenge…" while thinking 'I'll find you, Zero and Rei to avenge Clovis. I'll be the one to settle the turbulent land which has robbed me of not two, but now three of my precious siblings.'

Same time,

Army Quarters, Purist Faction

Three figures huddled together, taking their eyes off the surveillance screen in front of them for a short break. The three members of the purist faction in the army had been enjoying a period of power before the actions of Margrave Gottwald had lead to the distrust against the group. How dare the damn traitor take away the power they had worked so hard to obtain? The first person muttered, "We cannot allow 'orange' to affect the princess' arrival! The performance of the purist faction must be perfect in order to make up for the shameful accident"

The second figure fretted, "At this rate, the loyalty of the purists will be put under question! We cannot allow that to happen because of one traitor."

"What? So it's true that Sir Jeremiah has turned coat? I never thought…" the third muttered, shocked.

Annoyed, the second person demanded, "The explain 'orange'! At any rate, Gottwald is guilty! To say that he doesn't remember, does he really expect us to believe a flimsy excuse?"

Standing in the background, Kewell shifted slightly, uncomfortable as he mentally wondered 'Jeremiah's excuse was the he simply doesn't remember the incident, just like Villetta and I after the Shinjuku incident. If that's really the case, he can't be blamed for this. I must tell Villetta of this at once!'

Same time,

Tokyo Settlement, Area 11

Suzaku Kururugi stepped out of the shade of the sky train, squinting his eyes as the sun's harsh rays hit eyes, which had spent most of the day staring down into notes and text books. Blinking, Suzaku yawned before walking out of the station, intent on relaxing after soldiering through the piles of homework his teachers had given him. He would have been done so much earlier that day if only Lelouch had given him a hand, but the stubborn prince was still mad about the whole Kallen fiasco and refused to help, leaving Suzaku to brave the depths of chemistry alone.

Sighing at his bull headed best friend, Suzaku took a step forwards only to be pushed strait back as a blur of pink crashed into him. Using his reflexes, Suzaku caught the speeding girl before she fell and let her down gently. Slightly worried, he asked, "Umm…are you alright?"

Looking up, the young woman in her teens grinned sheepishly and said, "Well…actually, I'm being chased by a couple of strange men. Could you possibly help me?"

His eyes widening a bit, Suzaku asked, "Uh…sure?"

Jumping up, either in excitement or in victory, the girl exclaimed, "Yay! Could you show me around the settlement while you're at it then? I'd love to see all the sights!"

Grinning at her infectious excitement, Suzaku explained, "I'm Suzaku Kururugi, by the way. Nice to meet you, miss…"

"My name's…um…Euphie! Nice to meet you too, Suzaku" the girl replied after a brief pause.

Walking down the street, Suzaku discreetly checked behind them, searching for the so-called strange men he was pretty sure didn't exist. Confirming their safety, he asked, "Euphie, why did you lie about people chasing you?"

Not receiving a reply, he turned about and wondered, "Euphie?" only to see a blank space where the girl in question was a moment ago. Looking around, he heaved a sigh of exasperation as he spotted her crouched on the ground, meowing at a stray cat.

Not having heard what Suzaku said, Euphie meowed at the cat, which hissed at her closeness. After several tries however, the cat meowed back cutely, accepting her presence. Beaming, she picked up the feline and made her way back to the smiling Suzaku and explained, "It looks like Mr. Kitty has a hurt paw…"

Indulging the girl, Suzaku asked around the stores until he finally borrowed some first aid equipment, which Euphie then snatched to treat the cat. Finishing her task, she displayed the bandaged cat to Suzaku, who reached out to pet the feline, who promptly bit him. Lifting her hand to hide her slight smile, Euphie could only exclaim, "Oh!"

Settling the cat down, Euphie asked, "Do you dislike cats?"

Chuckling, Suzaku explained, "No, I actually love them, it seems that my love's not returned" Reaching to reattempt petting the cat, he retracted his hand as soon as it started hissing.

Smiling, Euphie said, "Well, they say that kind people are the ones who get caught up in one sided love!" At this statement, the cat, which she had named Arthur, darted off, leaving the two teens to look at where it disappeared.

Taking his eyes off the crowd, Suzaku asked, "Euphie, why did you lie before?"

"Worried about me, huh? Well, then come with me for a bit!" the pink haired girl stated, jumping up from the seat and dashing off.

Following the energetic girl, Suzaku allowed himself to get dragged along, laughing at Euphie's carefree attitude and jokes. Relaxing, he felt himself forgetting his depressing thoughts and finally act like the teen he was.

Looking around at the shopping district, Euphie commented, "Wow, this isn't that different from Britannia, is it?"

"Are you from the motherland, Euphie?" Suzaku asked, wanting to find out more about this intriguing girl.

Nodding, Euphie replied, "Yeah, I was a student there until a week ago."

Stopping by a vendor to buy crepes for both of them, Suzaku looked back and wondered, "Until last week…then what are you now? By student, you mean high schooler, right? I guess you get to have some freedom now."

Looking back to the teen, Euphie accepted the offered crepe and said, "You have a lot of questions, Suzaku."

Scratching his head, Suzaku apologized, "Sorry…I didn't mean to pry…"

Smiling, Euphie shook her head and said, "Nah, that's not what I meant. Today's my last day off for a while, so I wanted to see how Area 11 is before I start working here."

Two hours later, after they had visited all the landmarks of the settlement, Euphie looked Suzaku in the eyes and asked, "Suzaku, there's one last place I wanted to see."

Frowning, Suzaku replied, "Sure, but I'm pretty sure we covered mostly everything."

Looking serious for the first time that day, she asked, "Suzaku, could you show me the Shinjuku Ghetto?"

Half an hour later

Shinjuku Ghetto, Area 11

Suzaku and Euphemia stood in front of a small cemetery, newly replenished with decorations for the recent dead. Sighing, Suzaku said, "The Shinjuku Ghetto is finished…people were only starting to return and then this happened…"

Respecting the dead with a silent moment, the pair felt a cold breeze pass through before distant voices were heard. Looking up, they saw a pair of teens, Britannians from Ashford as their uniforms showed, who were babbling on about Britannian technology and taking pictures of the carnage as if it was something laughable.

Suddenly, a trio of Japanese appeared, all wearing red ribbons around their foreheads. Smacking the camera the Britannian student was holding, the more aggressive one shouted, "Get out of here, you Britannian pigs!"

His eyes widening as he recognized the foul tempered Tamaki and other member of Ougi's group, Suzaku rushed to help, muttering a "Stay Here" to Euphie.

Meanwhile, the Britannian students took a step back from the violent resistance members. Refusing to swallow their pride, however, one of the boys stuttered, "W-What? You're just Elevens…"

Stepping forwards, Tamaki exclaimed, "We're Japanese, you brats! Don't you dare call us Elevens!"

Backing his friend, the second student retorted, "What do you mean? You're just a part of a beaten country. You guys lost to us!"

Clenching his fist, Tamaki gritted, "You…" before throwing a punch.

Dashing towards the scene, Suzaku exclaimed, "Please stop! Don't resort to violence"

While everyone turned around to see the new figure, Suzaku dashed to stand between the terrorists and the students as Tamaki lashed out. Dodging the attack, Suzaku stared at the resistance members as the students behind him gasped. Gasping, one of them said, "I-It's you! The new student, the one who hangs with the student council like he's better than the rest of us. Heard he fought James and won too!"

Slightly shocked at the revelation, Tamaki snorted and said, "A slave to Britannia huh? How dare you become an Honorary Britannian, selling your pride, comrades and soul… You're not even Japanese!"

His eyes filled with hurt, Suzaku exclaimed, "T-That's not it-"

"THAT IS IT!" Tamaki interrupted running forwards with his fist extended, "Don't even try to deny it!"

Defending himself by throwing Tamaki on the ground, Suzaku protest, "Please stop fighting! I'm trained in combat and I don't want to hurt you!"

Spitting on the ground, Tamaki said, "Who the hell cares! I won't stand down just because it seems futile like you wimpy bastards"

Realizing that things had gotten too far, Yoshida stepped in and said, "That's enough" signalling for the other two to leave with him.

Sighing at having diffused the problem, Suzaku was shocked when the students he had been trying to protect demanded, "My camera! You! Why weren't you here earlier to help us? And why didn't you finish them off? If you took care of James, why didn't you kill those guys? Why didn't you act like the servant to Britannians you are-"

At this point, Euphie had caught up to the group and promptly slapped the outraged student. Looking down coolly on the teen, she stated "I will not allow you to insult him any longer!"

After chasing away the snobbish Britannian students, Euphie turned around slowly, asking as both her voice and eyes softened, "You go to the same school as those two then?"

Not knowing what to say, Suzaku mumbled, "Um…yeah…my friend kind off pushed me into it, but it's not all bad. Most kids at Ashford are decent, and I'm grateful…"

Just as Euphie was about to reply, their conversation was abruptly interrupted by the sound of bullets. Whipping his head towards the noise, Suzaku dashed off, shouting, "Don't follow me, Euphie, it's too dangerous!"

5 Minutes later

Freeway, Area 11

Jeremiah hurrily sprinted off, barking at his earpiece, "Are you certain that the terrorists are in Shinjuku right now?"

"Yes, sir!" a voice responded

Grumbling about not having the time to grab a knightmare nor call for backup, the margrave rushed off, heading towards the coordinates he had been given. Heading into the broken amphitheatre, Jeremiah grabbed his gun as he sneaked in. Seeing a group of soldiers already there, he straitened up and demanded, "Soldier! What's the situation here? I heard a report about spotting a terrorist."

Turning around to see margrave the soldier sneered and said, "I'm afraid the only criminal here is you, Gottwald!"

Rearing back in surprise, he demanded, "What to you mean, soldier? That sounds dangerously close to insubordination!"

"Someone like you shouldn't complain about not following orders, Orange!" the soldier mocked.

Glaring at the unconcealed insult, Jeremiah snapped, "I've been cleared of all charges and you know that! You on the other hand, have deliberately insulted a superior! ARREST HIM!" when no one responded, he continued, "Have you all turned your backs on Britannia now?"

At this, the first soldier raised a gun and pointed it at the surprised margrave. "We didn't betray Britannia, we're protecting it from traitorous rats like you!"

Taken aback, Jeremiah demanded incredulously, "Are you serious?"

Deciding that actions speak louder than words, the soldier pulled the trigger, making a scattering of holes around Gottwald's feet. Gulping, Jeremiah gritted out "I see…" while tightly gripping his gun, which was sitting next to his hips.

Just as he was about to act, a voice cried out, "Please stop!"

Whipping his head around, Jeremiah spotted the owner of the voice, a Japanese teen who was running towards them as if he didn't know of the dangers ahead. Before he could utter a word, however, the leader of the soldiers exclaimed, "What's this, Gottwald? Have you stooped so low as to hire Eleven scum to help you?"

Just as he was about to retort, Jeremiah was distracted yet again by the entrance of two other soldiers, this time people who he recognized. Seeing his fellow comrades approach, he asked bitterly, "Kewell, Villetta, are you here to help me, or are you guys here because you think I betrayed the army too?"

Shaking her head, Villetta exclaimed, "We're here to help you, Jeremiah."

Grinning grimly at the sight, Kewell supported, "I don't think you would do anything like this. If you claim you don't remember, I believe you."

"Kewell! How dare you betray us like this? Has that woman charmed the sense out of you fool?" the soldier demanded. An awkward shuffling noise alerted his attention elsewhere though, and the soldier found himself pointing his gun to Suzaku, who was just standing there. His eyes narrowing, he seethed, "And you…who are you to interrupt this? An Eleven like you should just stay quiet and bow down!" At his words, the soldier whipped his gun towards the teen, intent on hitting the boy.

"STOP! What are you doing?" a feminine voice shouted loudly. Looking up, Suzaku saw Euphie dashing onto the scene, finally catching up to Suzaku and standing in front of him as if trying to block the blow. `

Gritting hid teeth, the soldier exclaimed, "What's with all you people trying to interrupt me today? Who are you to try and order me around, girl?"

Standing proudly, Euphie assumed a look of utter superiority as she calmly stated, "You are addressing the third princess of the Holy Empire Britannia, Euphemia li Britannia! Under my name, I order both sides to lower their weapons!"

Shocked, Jeremiah looked the pink haired teen and recalled a young child visiting the Aries Villa all those years ago. Seeing the similarity, he muttered, "I-It's really her! Your Royal Highness, Princess Euphemia!"

Noting his reaction, everyone accepted the fact and bowed, saying in a chorus, "Your Highness, we deeply apologize for our actions!"

Seeing the soldiers bow down to the girl he had considered friend, Suzaku dropped to his knee and said, "Your Highness. Not only have I not noticed, I acted rudely towards you! I deeply apologize!"

Turning back the teen who had spent the day with her, Euphemia said slightly sadly, "Rise, Suzaku. You have nothing to apologize for since I didn't find it necessary to tell you who I really was. I had fun today and I think I've learned what I should do as the new vice-viceroy of Area 11. Thank you for taking me around today, I consider you a friend and if you should ever need my assistance, feel free to call my number."

Bowing to the princess, Suzaku replied, "Y-Yes Your Highness. Thank you for your kindness, although I do not deserve it."

Understanding his position, Euphie nodded and signalled for the soldiers to take their leave and wait for her outside. Once the sight of their backs had disappeared, she whispered, "Suzaku, I honestly wanted to be your friend, but my status doesn't allow me to get out much. Today was the last day I had of freedom before I'll be stuck working and hiding from the paparazzi. Thank you for making it a worthwhile day. I honestly hope that we'll be able to stay in contact…"

"Euphie, I would be happy to. I understand all to well how social status is not as wonderful as it sounds." Suzaku replied, startled but pleased at Euphemia's confession.

Genuinely smiling, Euphemia said, "Then I'll take my leave for now Suzaku." And disappeared into the sunset.

1 hour later

Council Clubhouse, Ashford Academy

Lelouch typed out the results of his research in the kitchen with a cup of coffee and a bored C.C. at his side. Hearing the automatic door slide open, he turned around and spotted Suzaku. "You're late, Suzaku. Nunnally wanted to wait for you to eat dinner, but it got too late. I left some of it in the fridge for you though, so feel free to eat it if you're hungry."

Walking past the table, Suzaku opened the fridge to expose the chicken potpie and microwaved it. Turning back to face Lelouch, he said, "Thanks Lelouch… So, what are you doing?"

Going back to typing, Lelouch replied, "I'm entering in the results of some testing I was doing on the Geass…."

Whipping his eyes away from the potpie he had been eating, Suzaku almost choked as he cleared his throat of food and sputtered, "Testing? What are you talking about, Lelouch?"

Looking up at his reaction, Lelouch soothed, "Relax, it was harmless. I was trying to find the specs for the geass. It's imperative that I know its limits before try to I use it in battle, where an unexpected response could cost lives. I dare say I didn't do any damage and found out a whole lot too."

Glaring at the teen, Suzaku exclaimed, "Lelouch! I understand that it needed to be done, but you need to act more humane about this. People aren't just pawns in a game! You should know and understand that more than anyone!"

Scowling at Suzaku's reference of his past, Lelouch forced himself to see the truth in his words. Concealing his concession, he said curtly, "Fine. Do you want to hear the results or what?"

Noticing Lelouch's reaction and allowing him to keep his pride, Suzaku gestured for Lelouch to continue. Looking back at his results, Lelouch reported, "To apply geass, the eye contact is necessary. The geass seems to be able to bypass glasses and has light properties that allow it to be reflected off of mirrors and other such surfaces. The maximum distance is about 270 metres and can affect multiple people at once. Once under geass, the person then suffers short-term memory loss that causes them to forget what happens slightly before and during the order. The loss is probably due to the rewriting of the cerebrum to allow for the order to be processed."

Swallowing back the bile that had risen from the potent abilities of the geass, Suzaku said faintly, "Hey Lelouch, how did you get this information so quickly? Exactly how many people have you tested it on?"

Looking away, Lelouch muttered, "Let's just say that a lot of girls at Ashford will no longer be susceptible to my geass…"

Frowning, Suzaku said, "Well, no more testing for you Lelouch. You've got your results, so don't blame me if I punch you the next time you do this without talking it out with me."

His eyes narrowing at the steel underneath Suzaku's reprimand, Lelouch stated, "Fine."

Amused, C.C. spoke up, "You guys know that you're up against an empire that controls more than a third of the world, right? Do you really think that one geass would be strong enough to defeat it?"

Staring into space, Lelouch asked deceptively calmly, "Would it work if I was just strong?"

Nodding, Suzaku continued, "Is it that wrong to be weak? To us, when we were 10, the world seemed like such a terrible place. Fear, sickness…"

"Corruption, decay…" Lelouch listed.

Solemnly, Suzaku stated, "Discrimination"

"War and terrorism…" Lelouch said.

Looking down, Suzaku explained, "The repeated cycle of hatred…"

"A foolish and vicious cycle…" Lelouch said bitterly.

"Someone MUST break the chain apart" Suzaku determinedly said.

Looking back and forth between the two teens, both looking too old for their age, C.C. blandly remarked, "You guys are quite idealistic…"

Scoffing, Suzaku replied, "Of course, I don't think I could get rid of all of that…"

Looking back at his best friend, Lelouch admitted, "Even I'm not that arrogant. But for those of us who have lost so much due to war, is a world without war too much to ask?"

Locking eyes with Lelouch, Suzaku sighed and continued, "A world where we don't have to lose any more people dear to us…"

Still unfazed, C.C. looked up to the sky, hiding her face as she stated, "Such a convenient world, what can you guys do to achieve that?"

To this, Suzaku fell silent while Lelouch reached out to the chessboard next to the laptop and tipped over the white king and answered, "That's simple. The war will end when someone wins…"

Trying to lighten the dark mood, Suzaku broke the silence with "Oh yeah, you'll never believe who I met in the settlement today."

His eyebrows rising, Lelouch stated. "If you think I wouldn't be able to guess, I doubt that I could. Just tell me…"

Grinning, Suzaku said. "Your sister!"

His eyes widening, Lelouch demanded, "WHAT? Which one? Wait…Suzaku, how did you know that she was my sister?"

Recalling the event of the day, Suzaku explained what had happened, only to stop when Lelouch glared at the fact that Suzaku had rushed into the military dispute. His mind barely comprehending the fact that his sister Euphemia, one of the two he actually cared about, had come to Area 11 and that Suzaku had actually ran into her. Shaking his head, Lelouch replied, "Geez Suzaku, you sure have the best luck in meeting Britannian royalty. Not only have you run into me and Nunnally, you manage to meet the kindest official princess of Britannia in the same week!"

Grinning, Suzaku teased, "I can't seem to get away from your family even if I wanted too!"

Smirking, Lelouch replied, "So, Suzaku, what do you think of my sister?"

Shocked, Suzaku sputtered, "W-What?"

Giving his friend a glare, Lelouch replied, "She might not know I'm alive, but she's still my sister you know. Do I really have to give you the whole 'hurt her and die speech'?"

Choking on plain air, Suzaku replied, "First of all, even though I can understand where you're coming from, do you really think you could 'kill' me? More importantly, WE'RE JUST FRIENDS!"

Chuckling, Lelouch said darkly, "Oh, don't underestimate what I can do to make your life miserable, Suzaku…"

Shuddering, Suzaku said, "L-Let's just drop this topic…"

Nodding, Lelouch replied, "Yeah, if I know anything about the li Britannia siblings, where Euphemia is, Cornelia follows. Since she said that she was going to be vice-viceroy, I'd bet on the fact that Cornelia will be the Viceroy. A wise choice, I must admit, since Cornelia is regarded as the goddess of victory. We'll have to be wary of her. Dealing with Clovis will be like child's play compared to her…"

Gulping, Suzaku asked, "Is she that dangerous?"

Searching up news online, Lelouch reported, "She's coming from the recently christened the new Area 18 with battle tested troops fresh from battle. If she could take down the Middle Eastern Federation, she's a competent leader at the very least."

Understanding the danger, Suzaku asked, "What are we going to do then"

Lelouch sat back, his eyes closing for a few minutes as he thought out a plan. Suddenly, he sat back up with a grin and started typing furiously on his laptop. Having seemingly found what he was looking for, he laughed triumphantly as he stated, "We act first. If we can't predict her actions for the moment, we'll seal them. It seems like the tape you recorded in Shinjuku will become useful after all…"

Next day,

Ashford Academy, Area 11

Lelouch looked into a wide window in an unused hallway, listening to Ougi's startling report about the fall of the 'Blood of the Samurai' terrorist faction. Reassuring the man that he had a plan, Lelouch ended the call and descended the stairs to reach the gym locker area. Hearing the sound of running water, he headed towards the sound, only to find a familiar figure crouched at a sink. Approaching the teen quietly, Lelouch asked, "Suzaku, what are you doing?"

Almost jumping out of his skin, Suzaku yelped, "L-Lelouch!" while hiding his dirty gym clothes behind his back.

His eyes narrowing, Lelouch swiftly grabbed what Suzaku was trying to hide with more speed than what he seemed to have and held it up to the light. Seeing the red paint on the white T-Shirt stating degrading statements, Lelouch glared and asked, "Why are you hiding this?"

Shuffling, Suzaku replied, "W-Well, it's not as if I can stop it from happening…"

"I just don't see how you do it…" Lelouch sighed, "How can you take being treated like that, Suzaku?"

Shrugging, the Japanese teen explained, "I'm just used to it after my stint in the army I guess….Besides, you know as well as I that most of them only feel this way because of Britannia's propaganda…"

Huffing, Lelouch protested, "Still, they should know better…If I could understand it when I was ten, they aught to be able to see it now!"

Shaking his head, Suzaku said, "Well, we can't all be genius' like you Lelouch…"

Snorting, Lelouch replied, "You don't need to BE a genius to get it. Anyone with eyes and a useful brain can see it. For now though, I suggest that you leave that at the clubhouse to see if Sayoko-san can get the stuff out. For now, you can just borrow my stuff, I don't use it anyways…"

"You just want to get out of gym, don't you Lelouch?" Suzaku commented amusedly, not falling for the Britannian teen's trick.

"Why of course, Suzaku. If I didn't like exercise ten years ago, what makes you think I like it now? Besides, no one's going to pick at my stuff, they wouldn't dare…." Lelouch said unashamedly. "Anyways, we better get back to class before the teacher gets mad again."

Suzaku snorted, "Yeah, cause making teachers mad affect you SO much, Lelouch" but followed the boy back upstairs none the less

Neither boy noticed the red haired girl hiding behind some of the lockers 'Hmmm…Lelouch Lamperouge might not be such a bad guy after all…'

2 hours later

School Council Clubhouse, Ashford Academy

Lelouch wrestled with a stubborn part of fabric that refused to comply with his ministrations. Having ditched PE with the excuse of not having his uniform, he had padded of back into his room. At the moment, he was trying to build a hidden container for his costume. Since Zero and Rei have made a debut, he couldn't afford for people to walk in and randomly find the unique and condemning mask. He would have to test the contraption with his own costume before repeating it for Suzaku's. Fiddling with straps, he heard the whirl of the automatic door and the smell of cheese. At the door, C.C. held a pizza box, not noticing a particular grey cat that followed her inside. Looking at her accomplice, she asked, "A hiding place for your costume?"

Not looking up, Lelouch explained, "Unlike geass, it can be used as physical evidence…"

Before he could continue, Nunnally appeared at the door, wondering, "Brother, do I smell pizza, again?"

Unsurprised, Lelouch explained, "I'm trying to save up points, Nunnally. I'll be right down though."

Smiling, Nunnally teased, "Are you sure you're not getting a little chubby? Maybe around your middle?"

Concentrating on his sister, Lelouch said, "That's not a very nice thing to ask, Nunnally!" while standing up, deciding that the mask could wait, not noticing a certain curious cat.

C.C. looked on silently, deciding not to reveal her presence to the blind girl. Hearing a thump, she turned around to see the case Lelouch had placed on the bed on the floor. Staring, she tried to locate the mask while a masked feline made his way past her feet. Not seeing the mask, she heard the automatic door close again, confused, she muttered, "Huh?"

Drinking tea with his beloved sister, Lelouch took a sip while Nunnally talked about how her day was going. Just as he was about to comment, his eyes darted to the side, spotting a strange sight. A grey cat with a bandaged paw had somehow found a way into the clubhouse, what's more, it was wearing his mask! Sputtering, he shouted, "W-Wah! Hey, come back here!" dashing off in search of the cat. Confused, Nunnally tilted her head, wondering what had just occurred.

Dashing off to try and catch the kitty, Lelouch jumped out the window, trying to follow the cat, which agilely leapt onto the porch next to the window. Landing slightly awkwardly, Lelouch muttered, "No! This is not funny! There's no way I'll be exposed because of a stupid cat!" heading after the cat which dashed off in the direction of Ashford Academy.

Back at the clubhouse, Nunnally was discussing what had just happened with Milly, Rivalz and Nina. Sharing her story, she said, "A cat took something from my brother. I don't know what it is, but I'm sure it was important. I've never heard him shout like that after all…"

Putting his arms on his sides, Rivalz wondered out loud, "What could it be, Lelouch's important thing?"

Racking her brain, Nina proposed, "A love letter?"

Smirking confidently, Milly said excitedly, "An embarrassing photography? Whatever it is, Nunnally, we'll get it before Lelouch does! It's not everyday that we get blackmail on our vice-president after all!"

Inside the school courtyard, Lelouch was failing miserably at catching the cat. Not being able to spare air for taking, he mentally debated, 'Damn, if there were terrorists here, I could initiate a plan. Who can I get to help me? Suzaku? No, he's in gym class and getting him out of it will be troublesome. Kallen? I can't have her suspecting me more after Suzaku messed my plan up! I'll have to work this out on my own…" Distracted, he ran into a bush as the cat quickly dodged him, heading towards the school doors.

Taking precious seconds to recover slightly, Lelouch rushed into the busy hallways, where he spotted two confused girls staring at a corridor. Deducing that they had seen the cat, Lelouch activated his geass and commanded, "You'll forget what you just saw and forget this happened."

Dashing off, Lelouch heard the announcements turn on. Wondering what could possibly go wrong, he almost chocked as he heard Milly's voice declared, "This is president Milly Ashford of the School Council speaking! This is about a cat! Please catch the cat that's currently running through the school. All club activities will be put on hold and the clubs that will participate will get their funds increased. Also, the person to hand me the cat will receive a special prize: A KISS FROM A STUDENT COUNCIL MEMBER!"

Looking up from what they were separately doing, Shirley and Kallen looked up, realizing, "S-Student council member? You mean, like me?" Looking around, both girls saw the gleam in various boys' eyes, they shuddered, determined to catch the cat to save their first kisses.

Still after the cat, Lelouch muttered, "What have you DONE, Madame President!" Running to the bell tower, Lelouch paused as he saw Suzaku in his gym uniform. Shocked, he asked, "Suzaku, you're after the cat too?"

Stopping at the sight of Lelouch, Suzaku said, "Yeah, it's the president's orders after all. Why are YOU chasing the cat, Lelouch?"

Embarrassed, Lelouch said, "The damn cat got my Zero mask!"

His eyes widening, Suzaku exclaimed, "How the hell did that happen? Never mind, I'll go after it. I think it's the one I saw yesterday with Euphie." As he said this, the teen ran up the stairs."

"W-Wait, Suzaku!" Lelouch protested, realizing that Suzaku had not realized the prize of the chase. Seeing Suzaku already dashing off, he huffed and started sprinting up the stairs.

Not listening, Suzaku ran all the way to the roof of the bell tower and started climbing up on the roof to reach the bell fry where the cat rested. Catching up, Lelouch crawled onto the roof, trying to follow the more active teen before accidentally slipping on a tile. Sliding down slowly, he yelped. Turning back to see what had caused the noise, Suzaku gasped at the sight of Lelouch almost sliding off the roof. Acting quickly, he slid down purposefully, grapping Lelouch's hand with one hand and gripping the windowsill with the other. Hoisting the teen up, he said, "Geez, Lelouch, do you really think you could actually do what I was going to do?"

Huffing, Lelouch said, "Never you mind, Suzaku. You head down with the cat now to face the crowd. I'll have to hide the mask first."

Nodding Suzaku grasped the grey cat from Tokyo and descended the stairway. Looking up, he hesitated as he say the silent crowd. Just as he was about to utter something idiotic, he stopped as Shirley ran up to him and said, "Suzaku! Thanks for saving Lulu!"

Grinning, the rest of the student council crowded around him while Milly demanded, "Hey Suzaku, did you see the cat holding something?"

Knowing that Milly was talking about Lelouch's mask, Suzaku lied, "N-No, I don't think so…"

Coming out to the crowd, Lelouch said, "So THAT'S what you were up to, Madame President.

Not guilty at all, Milly replied, "It's not every day I could have gotten blackmail off of you, you know."

3 hours later

School Assembly hall, Ashford Academy

Rows upon rows of students stood upright, viewing the funeral ceremony of his Highness Clovis la Britannia, the former third prince and viceroy of Area 11. Watching the screen filming the ceremony in Britannia, Lelouch gritted his teeth as the announcer unknowingly spoke of his brother in a rose tinted view. As if it wasn't enough, the man then announced the arrival of the Emperor himself. Clamping his jaw shut, squeezing his fists and narrowing his eyes, Lelouch seethed as his 'father' declared, "All men are not created equal. Some are born swifter of foot, some with greater beauty. Some are born into poverty, and others born sick and feeble. Both in birth and in upbringing, in sheer scope of ability, every human is inherently different. That is why people discriminate against one another, which is why there is struggle, competition, and the unfaltering march of progress. Inequality is not wrong; equality is!"

On Lelouch's right hand side, Suzaku couldn't believe how the Emperor was delivering a motivational speech at his son's funeral. Despite his disbelieve, he continued to listen, hearing the ruler of Britannia impose, "What is happening in the EU, where they treat everyone equally? They've been riddled with mob-controlled governments. What of the Chinese Federation? Their government it filled with negligence and riddled with corruption! Britannia is not like that! We fight, we compete, and we change! That is what allows us to continuously evolve and become an Empire destined to enter the future! My son's death is proof of this! We will fight, compete, take, possess and control! In that, we will find the future. ALL HAIL BRITANNIA!"

3 hours later

Council Clubhouse, Ashford Academy

Lelouch sat in his room, making way for Suzaku, who had joined him to watch the unraveling of his plan. Turning on the TV, Lelouch said, "If my little gamble's paid off, it should come on right now…"

Switching the channel to the news broadcast, Lelouch grinned as Diethard, the journalist he had spotted during the prisoner exchange showed up. Looking like a excited school boy, Diethard looked right at the camera and dramatically stated, "Ladies and Gentlemen: Today, we have a special treat! We, at the Hi-TV studio, have received a clip from Zero and Rei themselves, the mysterious characters who showed up to clear the name of Shinji Hirako. We have been ordered to show this at 8:00 pm and not view it before hand, so we cannot know what is on this clip. Now, without further delay, here's the video!"

Lelouch frowned as Suzaku looked at him and defended, "What? I didn't threaten the guy. He probably said that so the Britannian government couldn't act against them. I never told them they couldn't watch it before hand either, but I admit he sure knows how to draw attention."

Accepting the statement, Suzaku turned his attention back to the TV screen, where pictures of Shinjuku were flashing.

A bullet ridden cement wall, the ground sprayed with blood, the dust rising as a building crumbled. During the slideshow, an electronic voice, distinctively Zero's, stated, "There's been much talk of the Shinjuku Incident, criticism of the terrorists actions and praise for the army's efforts to defend peace, but are those an actually the truth?"

Small crosses sticking out of the dirt with small offerings surrounding it shows the hidden sadness caused by what's buried underneath the ground. The bodies of a family, a mother, father, and child with bullets lodged it their foreheads appeared, and the camera zoomed closer. "Does THIS look like justice to you? Do you honestly think that this is the result of a terrorists' actions?"

A group of harmless civilians were herded next to a cement wall by armed soldiers. When one of the men asked what was going on, the soldiers cocked their guns, sending a spray of bullets as a response. Terrified, the group scattered, but all were gunned down. "Tell me, did the army promise a chance to serve a glorious country, a chance to defend peace? DOES THIS LOOK LIKE THE PRESERVATION OF PEACE? This is what your friends, husbands and sons are doing, under the orders of the now deceased Prince Clovis…"

Knightmares are seen deploying, firing their weapons to destroy buildings. A crying child clutching a blood sodden teddy bear sat in the middle of the rubble. The bodies of her parents next to her, hands reaching her as if to try and protect their child even in death. "The truth had been hidden from you, Britannian citizens. THE ARMY HAS LIED! The horrible casualties in Shinjuku were not caused by the release of poison gas by the terrorists; it was caused by a childish and cruel act from his 'highness' CLOVIS LA BRITANNIA! THE HUNDREDS OF DEATHS AT SHINJUKU ARE ON HIS HEAD!"

A short clipped played of several knightmares were destroyed from the attackers point of view. His blood cooling, Suzaku realized it was him who had piloted. "This is what Rei and I have been trying to do. Vanquishing the soldiers who dare to attack innocent civilians. The injustice at Shinjuku was what triggered our rage. The false accusation of Shinji Hirako was what prompted us to appear. The people in both the government and the army have been warned. MISUSED YOUR POWER AND WE SHALL ACT! I AM ZERO AND WITH REI AT MY SIDE, JUSTICE WILL BE SERVED!"

A/N: Phew! An important chapter down! Small (or maybe big) deviations from the CG plotline.

Just one thing, I'm not really planning on writing any romance into Steps Untaken, but feel free to suggest pairings you would like to see be hinted at.

Questions!:

-Does anyone seem OOC (I ask this every chapter :P)

-Did you like what I did with the video of Shinjuku?

-Did you guys like how I incorporated the Lelouch/Suzaku speech?

-Do you like the fact that Suzaku met Euphie?

-Does Lelouch and Suzaku stick together like glue?

-Does something seem irrational or illogical to you?

All opinions, critiques, and comments are appreciated! Please tell me what you think of my story!